informal learning reflections

The tulips flowering in our garden have captured my attention. When Lynsey planted these bulbs before the winter set in I longed for the time when they would be blooming. This time has now arrived and I love it.

The flowers that are emerging are all different even though their basic shape indicates they are a tulip. Some are even growing at funny angles because the blackbirds are constantly digging in the garden looking for worms and unsettling the bulbs in the process. None of this has stopped the cycle of growth. The plants don’t seem to care whether the flower that emerges is parallel or at right angles to the ground beneath it.

What I find fascinating about these tulip flowers is how the flower opens during the day; the petals splay out to expose the inner secrets of the tulip flower. It is tantalising and pornographic. It is as though the flower is saying: “Here I am. Come and get me.”

Tulip flowers open and close in response to heat and light. When tulip petals fold in at night, or on a rainy day, the pollen stays dry and reproductive parts are protected. When they open the next morning, the pollen is ready to attach to the bodies of hungry insects. Younger flowers are more likely than older ones to open and close like this.Sourcehttp://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/tulips/OpenCloseAns.html

I have to admit I was surprised by this show. I found it amazingly affirming and I really enjoyed watching it. It focused on building self esteem and making the most of what you have naturally. I loved the way this show dealt with the whole person in a way that will lead to lasting change rather than some kind of artificially induced change.

Be honest and truthful with yourself when you look in the mirror. Don’t give yourself any crap or lies. If you’ve got bits there you don’t like admit it and accept it. The moment you accept it the moment your life will improve.

Understand your body shape and dress to your body shape. Don’t dress to trends because this doesn’t work and you’ll only end up being frustrated.

Look after your body. Don’t sit in the sun. Drink lots of water. Treat yourself at least once a month. To be naked isn’t just about body shape. It is all about texture of the skin and how healthy you look as well.

I started to think about the women who posed naked for the life drawing sessions that my husband Lynsey attends on a weekly basis. How wonderful it must be to have such confidence to stand in front of strangers and feel comfortable with them not only staring at your body but also creating a visualisation of what they see. As for the women on the TV show, they move from not even being able to look at themselves naked to posing naked in front of millions of viewers. Now this is transformation!